Somber pause

We take a moment from the feelings of joy, pride and relief that our teams are headed to the playoffs for the third straight year to remember two of our loyal and aged soldiers who won't be seeing action in October and maybe never again: Tim Wakefield and Jamie Moyer.

They've combined for 40 seasons, more than 1,000 starts and 440 wins.

They were drafted when we were still in grade school.

They are consummate pros who played vital, at times under-appreciated roles in our championships.

They aren't the splashiest players and probably never the most important member of the team, but I can't picture the SoxandPhils without them, but for the next month, because of different injuries, their roles will be ours: cheerleader.

Last night, Christine noted that we haven't heard much from J-Moy since he was dumped to the bullpen. He spoke yesterday and sounded like the old Moyer, not the guy who was bitter about the demotion:

"You know what? You deal with it. That's life, and you roll with the punches. I'm not going to complain about it. I had a good run here. My time isn't over here. I'm going to enjoy it, make the best of it, and be a cheerleader."

While Moyer says he will be back, sadly, Eric Wilbur isn't so sure that Wakefield will be:

It's been so long since we've seen a season without Tim Wakefield, and nobody is exactly looking forward to one. But maybe it's time.

Then again, after that awful parting gift last night, the Red Sox should feel obliged to pick up the $4 million for next season, so just Wakefield can get a proper goodbye. I fear though that sometime in November, we'll get a press conference instead. The highlight reel is going to be a cool one.

Tonight's games: The Red Sox beat the Indians 3-0 in an irrelevant game except that Jon Lester pitched really well in his first appearance since taking a liner off his knee last week: two hits and a walk with seven strikeouts in 6 1/3 shutout innings.

Former Phil prospect Carlos Carrasco started for the Tribe, but had to leave in the 3rd inning after he took a liner off the knee.

In a game that matters only for playoff positioning, the Phillies lost to the Astros 5-3. They are now a game ahead of the Cardinals and one behind the Dodgers, so there is some intrigue left as to whether they will be the first, second or third seed.